August 30, 2023
Dear Caregivers of Drury Students,
I hope this letter finds you well and ready for the start of the new school year. We are pleased to announce the approval of the 2023-2024 Drury Student Handbook by our School Committee on 8/29/23. This letter includes important information that will be presented to students during their Opening Days presentation on Thursday 8/31/23 (grades 7 and 8) and Friday 9/1/23 (grades 9-12). These updates will provide clarity on expectations for students and will also help create consistency throughout the school.
In addition, the adoption of these new or revised policies underscores our unwavering dedication to ensuring the well-being and safety of all members of the school community. If you have any questions or require additional information regarding these policies, we recommend reviewing the full Student Handbook on the Drury Website (dhs.napsk12.org) or by reviewing the full copy attached to this message. We appreciate your cooperation and partnership in maintaining a secure and conducive learning environment for all students.
DRURY CLOSET: We are excited to introduce the Drury Closet, a valuable resource accessible to all students in grades 7 through 12. Made possible by generous community donations and grant funding, the Drury Closet offers essential items such as clothing, toiletries, hygiene products, and foodstuffs to students and their families as needed. This initiative is a testament to the strength of our community and the importance of supporting one another. The Drury Closet also provides formal wear for dances and events that require professional attire. For further information, please feel free to contact School Resource Officer Stephanie Mirante or School Housing Partnership Coordinator Stacy Parsons.
LOCKERS, BACKPACKS, AND BLANKETS: To uphold safety regulations and maintain a secure school environment, all lockers are assigned by the administration. Please note that the school retains the right to access lockers as needed, and students should not expect privacy within them. Lockers are property of both the school and the City of North Adams. It's important for students to take responsibility for the items they keep in their lockers, as the school cannot be held accountable for any loss or theft that may occur. The school will, however, provide locks for any student who may need one.
In line with our commitment to safety, the use of backpacks and blankets in the school building during the school day is restricted. These items should be stored in the student’s assigned locker between 7:45 AM and 2:20 PM to prevent the concealment of prohibited items and to enhance movement in the hallways.
Students may carry small personal items with them in a small bag in line with “concert venue” guidelines (ie: the bag should not exceed 6.5 x 4.5 inches with or without a handle or strap). These are the sizes of belt bags or a small handbag. It is recommended that the bag be clear when possible. Students may also carry their personal items in their school issued Chromebook carrying cases in grades 9-12.
SAFETY UPDATE: The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. In emergency situations, the use of cell phones and electronic devices are not permitted for students, faculty, or staff, with the exception of those involved in emergency management procedures during school safety events. Once emergency management personnel have assessed the situation and determined the appropriate next steps, students and faculty will be allowed to use their cell phones to contact caregivers when it is deemed safe to do so.
ATTENDANCE POLICY / FAILURES AND LOSS OF CREDIT DUE TO ABSENCE: To ensure academic success, it is crucial for students to maintain regular attendance. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education considers students "chronically absent" if they miss 10% or more of the school year, whether the absences are documented or undocumented. Undocumented absences are categorized using specific codes, and students accumulating a certain number of these absences may risk losing credit for a course.
The administration recognizes approved documentation for absences, such as medical records, court appearances, and military obligations. Notes from caregivers or relatives are not considered official documentation but are helpful for communication with the school. School-related absences, like field trips and suspensions, do not count towards the maximum allowable days absent.
Students who exceed the allowable days absent for a course will lose credit and receive an FA (failure due to absence). Such students will not be permitted to attend dances or after-school celebrations until the FA is addressed through an appeal process or the start of the next school year. Students can appeal the loss of credit by submitting an appeal form to the Family Outreach and Court Liaison, supported by relevant documentation.
EARLY DISMISSAL: Early dismissal is a privilege that should be used responsibly. If a student needs to leave school early due to an emergency or unavoidable appointment, verbal permission from a caregiver is required, along with a written note for school records. Dismissal notification should be made no later than 9:00 am and is at the discretion of the administration. Dismissal is for the remainder of the day. For safety reasons, students must be checked out by caregivers in the main office, displaying valid photo identification.
CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION: Credit accumulation for high school graduation begins in Grade 9. Students must pass a specific number of courses to be classified in each grade level. A total of 26 credits is required for graduation. Students taking advanced high school coursework in Grade 8 may apply for a waiver to count these courses for high school credit.
CELL PHONES: In response to a cell phone grant received by the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education, we are taking measures to minimize cell phone usage in classrooms to remove distractions and enhance student learning. Cell phones are no longer allowed in classrooms. Any student using a cell phone during class will be required to place it in the classroom cell phone locker until the end of the class. Failure to comply may result in the confiscation of the device by the Dean of Students. Inappropriate or disrespectful use of electronic devices may lead to confiscation, disciplinary consequences, and potential loss of device privileges.
UPDATES TO THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE POLICY: To maintain a focused learning environment, we have implemented a policy prohibiting food delivery services during the school day. Additionally, students are not permitted to bring energy drinks to school. If a student forgets their lunch, only approved contacts listed in PowerSchool may drop off lunch at the main office. Students are prohibited from leaving class to retrieve their food; it will be held in the main office for them.
SMOKING, TOBACCO, AND VAPING POLICY: In alignment with our commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe environment, the North Adams Public Schools district enforces a comprehensive Smoking, Tobacco, and Vaping Policy. This policy encompasses the installation of vape detectors or equivalent technology to ensure the safety of all individuals within the school premises. Should a vape detector alert be triggered and evidence suggests the presence of a student in the vicinity, whether via hallway cameras or witnessed by staff, it may warrant reasonable suspicion. In such cases, the principal or designated authority may perform a reasonable search of the student in question. Furthermore, if a staff member observes a student in possession of a vape device, it similarly establishes reasonable suspicion for a search to be conducted.
A reasonable search of a student may entail various measures, such as requesting the student to empty their pockets, remove accessories, including shoes, inspecting bags and personal belongings, and even utilizing a metal detector wand if necessary. It is important to note that students who decline to undergo a reasonable search will be subject to disciplinary measures, which could potentially include suspension, as determined by the school principal or dean of students.
We remain committed to fostering a safe and enriching environment for all students at Drury High School. These updates to the Student Handbook are designed to support their growth and development. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and partnership in maintaining a positive school experience.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Kopala
Principal